Recently, I praised the value of possessing the Museumkaart if you are a frequent visitor of the Netherlands. Once again, it proved its worthiness when looking to fill my afternoon with culture!
Using the card to visit a museum that I may have not chosen while just out touring on my own, the Museum Van Loon was not only a welcome respite to the cold, drizzly afternoon but a place that transported me back many centuries. Beautifully decorated, the many visitors that walk thru its doors are taken back to a time of untold grandeur.
Built in 1672 by architect Adriaen Dortsman, the Museum Van Loon lies in the heart of Amsterdam’s canal district. It’s first resident, Ferdinand Bol, was a pupil of Rembrandt and the home was later owned by Willem Van Loon, a co-founder of the Dutch East-India Company and founder of the museum.
A magnificent private residence, it houses a large collection of paintings, some dating back to the 16th century, fine furniture, precious silvery and porcelain from different centuries.
Behind the house, stepping onto a parcel of land, hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city, one could be envious of the life that the Van Loon’s led in this beautiful oasis. The formal-styled garden, is bordered to one side by the coach house which regularly displays historic coaches, sledges and harnesses once owned by the Van Loon family. The coach house now also provides room for the museum’s educational programs, exhibitions and events.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm daily and is located at Keizersgracht 672. The museum can be reached by foot, bicycle, car or tram (16 and 24 Stop at Keizersgracht).
Adults: € 9
Students: € 7
Groups of 10 persons and more: € 7 pp
Children 6 to 18 years: € 5
Children under 6 years: free
Museumkaart, Stadspas, IAmsterdam City Card, ICOM: free
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